ATLANTA: DAY 12 -- BASEBALL;U.S. Team Builds Momentum With a Rout

Finishing the preliminary rounds with a flourish, the United States headed into the semifinals following a 17-1 victory over the Netherlands at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The United States (6-1) finished round-robin play in second, behind Cuba, which is undefeated in seven games.

Mark Kotsay's double to right field began an avalanche of five runs in the first inning, which included home runs by Travis Lee and Matt LeCroy. The Netherlands' starter, Daniel Wout, yielded seven earned runs in just two and a third innings, and the 10-run mercy rule ended the game after seven innings.

Japan defeated Italy, 12-1, which means the United States enters semifinal play tomorrow against Japan (4-3) and Cuba will meet Nicaragua (4-3). WALTER BARANGER